When Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza announced that they were getting married in 2008, their patriotism was questioned.  But they have proved their naysayers wrong and enjoy marital bliss even years later. There are thousands of Indo-Pak couples who have made Dubai their home because they find it a neutral ground that is also closer to home.  We speak to one such couple and ask them how they met and made this choice and how life is being  an Indo-Pak...

Many residents of the UAE left for their home countries including Pakistan and India in May to celebrate Eidul Fitr and soon after the UAE government banned passenger flights. Since then, airlines have been announcing date changes based on UAE government authorities. The situation, however, remains uncertain as does the Covid situation around the world. A number of Pakistanis and Indians have their jobs and homes in the UAE and it is important for them to get back. A perfectly legal way is...

Hello hello everyone! Yes, it's already been year here and as cliched it may sound, but time flew! It's been a year full of stories, laughter, learning and ups and downs. This is a year recap episode where I take you through my journey and #behindthescenes of why I set up a channel and what goes on behind the scenes. The real power is you guys, and I hope to continue bringing you many more such stories in future also. @zawali Do tell me what you'd like to see in the comments section....

Matchmaking in Pakistan is a profitable profession since majority of marriages are arranged and it is the job of a matchmaker to felicitate the 'perfect match' between a boy and a girl. Such opportunities in Dubai are limited but we spoke a matchmaker who claims she has felicitated thousands of matches. Fouzia Shafique, a homemaker, does it free of cost and tells us what are the preferable qualities the groom's and bride's family seeks in each other and the problems that ail the modern...

Losing your friend right in front of your eyes in a road accident might not let you ride a bike ever again, but for Usman Ghani, this most intense and difficult moment of his life also became the incident that took him from the road to the race tracks to eventually become Pakistan’s only racer with Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Race License. Dubai-based Usman recently painted his bike in the colors of the famous Pakistani Truck Art to give tribute to the Truck drivers in...

Most Muslims are not aware that there is a strong connection between Islam and nature and they focus is mostly on rituals and forget that the Almighty has created nature as well for us. Not many people know about the Quranic Park in Dubai. The park is set on 64 hectares, consists of 12 gardens containing 45 types of plants mentioned in the Quran. It's Islamic character and innovative concept makes this a unique project in the world. “The orchards are full of plants and trees mentioned in the...

Pakistan and India have a number of commonalities and the love for good food is one among the many. The king of all South Asian cuisine and loved by all dish is biryani, a fragrant rice delicacy full of spices and sumptuous chunks of meat fit for royalty, is probably the most loved dish on both sides of the border. Though basics of making biryani remain the same, its taste varies regionally in the subcontinent with each claiming theirs as the best even though the modern versions are adapted...

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is very important. Dr Bushra Gul, Specialist Obstetrics and Gynecologist  @Zulekhahospital   in Dubai tells us how to know when you are pregnant and how Exercise and Fitness plays a major role in the long term health of the mother and baby both. The interview is in line with Zulekha Hospital's campaign on Eat, Play, Laugh to promote a healthier lifestyle.  In this new segment called 'Doc Talk', we get top most health experts from all fields to...

Richard Bernstein, is the first blind judge elected by voters to the Michigan Supreme Court in the US. Richard is visually impaired since birth due to a genetic disorder called retinitis pigmentosa but that has not been a hinderance for any other the tasks he undertakes. He is currently in Dubai where he graciously agreed to meet me for this interview. Richard is often seen walking on Jumeirah Beach,, often for 6-7 hours at a stretch while memorizing his cases. He is also a tireless advocate...

The award winning Crossroads of Civilizations Museum (CCM) started from a private collection of one family 30 years ago. The founder of this Dubai-based museum, Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori originally housed the collection in his home behind glass cabinets. The museum houses the personal collection of historic artefacts, rare manuscripts and armory. CCM has now grown into a group of three museums: Crossroads of Civilizations Museum, Rare Books, Manuscripts & Prints Museum, and The Armory...

To truly care for one another, we must love for others what we love for ourselves. What better way to love one another than to give charity? Apart from professing belief and prayer, charity is considered the third most important component of our faith. But what does our beloved Prophet (PBUH) say about charity? Why is it considered so important?  In this last part of #RamadanDiaries, we list 10 insightful Ahadith about why charity is so important in Islam.  #charityinRamadan...

Ramadan is considered incomplete in all Muslim households if you do not break your fast with dates. The date palm is the most mentioned fruit-bearing plant in the Qur’an. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Break your fast by eating dates as it is purifying.”  Besides, being a Sunnah, dates are packed with nutrition and are full of antioxidants and high in fiber.  The UAE alone grows at least 250 varieties of dates. In the third episode of Ramadan Diaries, we list 7 Popular Types of Dates in the UAE...

Every evening during Ramadan, the booming sound of cannons can be heard across the UAE at sunset. The police across all emirates operate the special cannons with blank cartridges at the city's popular tourist spots as curious visitors gather to witness the spectacle.  In this 4-part Ramadan Diaries, we take you through some interesting traditions followed in the UAE the Holy Month, starting with cannon firing. The tradition lives on, even as neighbourhood mosques now sound the adhan on...

The UAE is home to the most magnificent mosques in the world - from the grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi which has the world's largest dome to the 500 year old mosque in Fujairah - each one of them is unique in it's architecture and each mosque has it's own story to tell. In this episode of #RamadanDiaries, we bring you the top five worth seeing mosques in the UAE. Enjoy!   #mosquesinuae #sheikhzayedmosque --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/asma04/message

It's been a year since Covid struck this world and we are now in the midst of an intense third wave. Millions have lost their lives and hundreds of thousands have fallen ill, suffered, quarantined and got better. However, having Covid traumatizes people. Other than impacting their physical health, Covid affects mental health too.  One person ill, means the entire family and community is impacted. Here I speak to a Covid survivor who explains what she went through and why we should not take it...

Abras are the oldest form of the public transport system in Dubai. In olden times, they enabled the movement of men and material between the two shores of the creek called Deira and Bur Dubai. Today, these are still used as water taxis to this day and are run by the government of Dubai and interestingly, the fare is still an unbelievable AED1. I take a short ride on this traditional boat along with a Pakistani who has been steering this boat for the past 8 years. Join me in this journey....

March 23 is one the most significant days for all Pakistanis. The Lahore Resolution of 1940  is the result of what may be considered one of the most significant political movements in recent world history. It led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.  That Pakistan came into existence seven years after the resolution of March 23, 1940 is a wonder in itself. It was created in the wake of sharp ideological divides that were exacerbated by the...

Belonging to a underdeveloped area of Pakistan's Kashmir area, Tariq Rashid is now the only Pakistani to be hired in the Middle East by the social media giant Facebook. He is now based in Dubai. Working odd jobs and double shifts as well as a freelancer, Tariq talks to me about his journey and the struggles he faced to reach where he is today. With lots of tips for youngsters looking for a professional break, this interview is a must watch.  #Facebook #WorkAtFacebook #earnmoneyonline ---...

Tamkeen is a project initiated by the Women Empowerment Committee of the Ladies Forum at Pakistan Association Dubai. This project aims at helping home-based or online business startups and assist women entrepreneurs to stabilize their falling business and empower women economically especially those affected financially during Covid. Here I speak to Sadaf Athar, the head of this initiative and she explains how this consultation is given to women free of cost. You can reach out to the Tamkeen...

UAE residents can now get the COVID-19 vaccination in all emirates at government centres as well as some private hospitals. The vaccine is optional but highly recommended.  This video will take you through the steps as I take the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine at the Prime Medical Centre in Al Nahda, Sharjah and explain the process step-by-step for your ease.   The second dose will be given after 21 days.  The vaccine is free for all residents.   To book for a vaccine at Prime Medical...

Joginder Singh Salaria is the founder of the Pehal Charitable Trust Humanity in based in Dubai Humanitarian City and for years he has been helping people in the UAE, Pakistan and India. However, his desire is to promote peace between both Pakistan and India and for this reason, he often helps Pakistanis in distress.  His trust has also won a Guinness World Record for Longest Line for Hunger Relief Packages in Abu Dhabi in May 2019.  This conversation between us is just a small glimpse of the...

Located in Dubailand, the Dubai Miracle Garden opened for visitors on November 1. It uses 150 million flowers from 120 varieties each season and has also been recognized thrice by the Guinness Book of Records in different categories. You all probably know details about this garden but what you don't know is that there is a Pakistani engineer who oversaw the development and landscaping of Dubai’s Miracle Garden when it was being transformed nine years ago. Listen to our very interesting...

It's been 25 years since the the first edition of Global Village was launched in the UAE. Each year, the family destination sees thousands of visitors enjoying shopping and trying out different world cuisines.   We take a walk around GV and especially focus on the Pakistan pavilion which has top class products being sold such as leather, marble items, Pakistani cotton fabrics and much more.  And of course Pakistani fast food is a must try. Covid is still around and strict SOPs are being...

Dubai Butterfly Garden is the world's Largest Covered Butterfly Garden and consists of 10 custom built domes and a butterfly museum. It is located right next to Dubai Miracle Garden. This is the best weather to visit the indoor garden. Each dome is filled with thousands of lovely butterflies, 50 varieties of butterfly in different sizes and colors naturally alive, flying around the visitors, and standing over the flowers and plants.  Here I take a guided tour and recommend that if you are...